COM 0176.118 2006-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS The challenge before this group and the entire Big Island: How to research, design and implement a flood drainage system to protect everyone (as much as possible) living on all mauka and makai slopes of Hawaii Island that: • Infringes as little as possible on land owner rights; • Minimizes negative economic impact, and • Maintains FEMA eligibility for all flood area residents in case of disaster All participants who spoke expressed genuine to grave concern, some for years, about the flooding and potential flooding situations that are occurring and could occur in the future on the Big Island. The FEMA deadline has brought the issue to a head and forced both lawmakers and the community to cooperate NOW or lose federal disaster funding. About 3 hours into the meeting, the interactions shifted from participants inputting comments on each section to an open general discussion-some of it quite straightforward-between participants about the specific language (and unintended negative consequences) and technical definitions versus the spirit of what this legislation is intended to accomplish. Questions were asked and clearly the participants' desire to help lawmakers base their decisions on science, history, as well as practical and physical limitations. Many of the participants felt heard and acknowledged. The willingness to work together on solutions was notable. During the breaks, small groups gathered in the room and along the hallway all the way to the lunch room. The groups grew at each progressive break and interactions appeared respectful and constructive. Almost everyone stayed for the entire meeting. After adjournment, half or more of the participants stayed to continue discussions while the room was being broken down. ISSUES DISCUSSED: Definitions of "flood-prone" and "flood plain" that include 100% of the island have wide ranging consequences, including slowed development (the word moratorium was denied), increased insurance rates, time and construction costs for land owners as well as overloading the County systems to manage and regulate such a sweeping change in policy. Many considered the definition impossible and creating more problems than any/all good intentions of solving the problem. 2